With 23 players on varsity this season, depth with not be an issue for the Manitowoc Lincoln boys basketball team.

“We’ve got guys on this team that are going to be asked to step into roles that will be new to them at the varsity level,” Lincoln coach Brian Gallagher said. “I think one of the strengths of this team is it’s depth. I think we have a lot of guys who can contribute to this team and will be asked to do so.”

Gallagher identified several seniors he feels provides that exceptional depth.

“Shane Kunesh is going to be a guy who steps in and had a little bit of experience last year but it’s going to drastically change this year,” Gallagher said. “Larz Luchterhand is another guy who played some quality minutes for us that is going to take on a larger role. Couple other seniors in Ezra Emme and Trevor Feest who can be contributors just as anyone else out there.”

There’s also the addition of 6-7 sophomore Collin Wanek who has Gallagher excited

“Wanek who gives us some nice size and rebounding,” Gallagher said. “He has good range for a guy his size and sees the floor really well. The biggest hurdle for him is the physicality of the varsity game compared to the junior varsity team last year.”

Gallagher reiterated how important depth will be for the Ships.

“I think our depth is going to be a big strength for us,” Gallagher said. “We have so many guys that I have faith in that can handle the role we put them in. With the new rules in place with four more minutes a game and not getting the breaks at the and of the first and third quarters that depth is going to come in handy.

“Fouls and free throws are going to be a big thing. Teams are going to get into foul trouble because of the new rules and you’re going to need your bench more so than you ever have in high school basketball.”

That’s not to say there’s not quality for the Ships in the starting lineup.

Gallagher said seniors David LaTour, Andy Cavanaugh and junior T.J. Schneider will all be counted on to perform.

“Last year T.J. had a phenomenal offensive season,” Gallagher said. “Andy Cavanaugh does a tremendous job shooting from the perimeter and David LaTour had games where he was the leading scorer. Their roles change a little bit this year...a little more expected of them this season as opposed to last.”

Those three represent three of Lincoln’s top four scorers from last year, with Schneider leading the way at 13.9 points per game as an all-Fox River Classic Conference first-team pick.

Coming off a stellar campaign as he did last year, Gallagher said Schneider will see some differences in how teams treat him.

“T.J.’s going to have little more of a bull’s-eye on his back,” Gallagher said. “There’s not going to be any question that he’s going to in all likelihood face the other teams best defender. There’s going to be nights where maybe he’s double teamed. That accomplishment last year will make things harder for him but he’s work hard in the offense and I think he’ll be able to combat that.”

Gone is second-leading scorer Adam Bonk (13.5) while Evan Wanek (5.0) was fifth on the team and will not play his senior season due to a medical condition.

“Adam was one of those players who would take the shot with everyone on the line,” Gallagher said. “He was the guy that a lot of them looked to in tough situations. It’s nice to have a senior who can do that but this year I think we have a couple guys who are capable of stepping up into that role, which is a nice luxury to have.”

Gallagher expects his big three to take on that leadership role vacated by Bonk.

“Leadership is something new for them,” Gallagher said. “I think they can lead in three different ways. They have different leadership styles they bring to the table.”

As for expectations for the season, Gallagher said his team can match up with anyone.

“I think we have a group of guys that can compete with anyone on any given night,” Gallagher said. “Throughout our 22 game season you’re going to have peaks and valleys. When you have those valleys I think we have guys who can still get the job done just through perseverance and really getting after it.”